UT-ORII R&D Associate Advanced Construction Systems
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that conducts science and technology research in energy, national security, computing, materials, neutron science, isotopes, and related fields.
About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
ORNL is the largest science and energy laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy. Managed by UT-Battelle for DOE, it operates research infrastructure and user facilities, conducts applied and fundamental research, and currently advances AI-enabled scientific discovery alongside its energy and national-security missions.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will conduct independent research in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing for building construction. You will develop robotic processes, control and perception systems, and digital construction workflows; collaborate with research and industry partners; mentor students; publish results; and contribute to research proposals.
Requirements
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline
- At least 1 year of postdoctoral or relevant industry experience in advanced manufacturing, robotics, or construction automation
- Research experience in robotics, construction automation, advanced manufacturing, human-machine interaction, or robotic process development and system integration
- Record of peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, patents, or equivalent technical contributions
Responsibilities
- Conduct independent R&D in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing systems for building construction
- Design, prototype, and demonstrate robotic construction processes
- Develop control strategies, perception systems, and digital workflows for construction-scale automation
- Advance human-robot collaboration methods
- Integrate sensing, control, and manufacturing systems
- Collaborate with university faculty, researchers, and industry partners
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students
- Prepare and present research results
- Publish research findings and present at conferences
- Contribute to proposal development and strategic research planning
- Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality requirements
Benefits
- Medical plans
- Retirement plans
- Flexible work hours
- On-site fitness facilities
- Banking facilities
- Cafeteria facilities
- Prescription drug plan
- Dental plan
- Vision plan
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Contributory pension plan
- Life insurance
- Disability benefits
- Vacation and holidays
- Parental leave
- Legal insurance with identity theft protection
- Employee assistance plan
- Flexible spending accounts
- Health savings accounts
- Wellness programs
- Educational assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Employee discounts